Nominate a group
Do you know a group who accomplished something impressive? If the group won an award, put on a play, conducted a fundraiser or did something else impressive, contact Marie Kriedman at writeawayk@gmail.com.
Who: Centerville resident McKenzie Howard, 12, was recently named a regional winner of the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program. McKenzie is a seventh-grader at Tower Heights Middle School. She has raised more than $22,000 for cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand.
When was it: McKenzie started with Alex's Lemonade Stand when she learned the story of Alexandra "Alex" Scott, a 4-year-old cancer patient who wanted to have a lemonade stand to create money for cancer research. The idea turned into a national fundraiser with thousands of supporters across the country. McKenzie read a book about Alex and wanted to start a lemonade stand as well. McKenzie first learned of the $1,000 scholarship award when she received a letter in the mail.
“At first I had no clue what was happening,” McKenzie said. “We still don’t know who nominated me. I was super excited that I was being recognized for what I’ve been doing the last eight years. Winning the regionals made me realize how my hard work has paid off.”
How did it go: "My last one was in June at Bill's Donuts," McKenzie said. "People always ask me if I'm Alex, so I start telling the story. A lot of people are amazed and astonished."
What was the best part: "It is watching the little kids face when they get the lemonade and having people coming and acknowledging that there is research going on. They take the time to realize what is happening in the world."
More information: Go online to www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/9553.
About the Author